NORWICH – A solution to a mental health services shortage that could come as soon as next week is currently in the making, according to Mental Hygiene Services Director MaryAnn Spryn.

The New York State Mental Health Department is currently negotiating with Otsego County’s Fox Hospital to continue its after-hours crisis intervention center services and hotline until September, rather than close it on Aug. 10 as planned. Fox has already begun phasing out its 28 available beds.

Spryn told members of the Health and Human Services Committee this week that an unnamed hospital in the region is in negotiations to take over the $5 million state-funded program.